As a big fan of Evo’s, I was excited to hear his new album ‘Green Life’ the moment it came out. Read my review on it below! ^^
[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″]Artist[/x_custom_headline]
I’ve been a fan of Evo’s music for several years and has always wondered why his brilliant music wasn’t as recognized as much as I thought it should have been. His lyricism can be playful and deep (and sometimes with some innuendo), raw but somehow with positive vibes also. Musically, there’s always a chill and or groove beat to boot.
[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″]Album Title and Cover[/x_custom_headline]
On October 1st, Evo released his 2nd full length album, [Green Life] ((about a year and a half after his 1st album [Beautiful Mind])). Green Life refers to, you guessed it, green bottles of alcohol ((soju)), and each song contains content about alcohol. That isn’t to say that the album contains the meaningless ramblings of an alcoholic at all as each of its 8 songs has it’s own unique flavor, story, and message behind it.
The cover was designed by Natist. (( check out his instagram @na_tist)). You can already get a taste of what’s in the album from just the cover. With a green background to match the title “Green Life”, a drawn portrait of Evo and handwritten scribbles of lyrics, song titles, and drawings that are all contents within the album.
[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″]Tracklist[/x_custom_headline]
Click on the titles to read my description of each track.
[accordion] [accordion_item title=”1.초록색여행”]
Perfect as the 1st track of the album, “Green Trip” is a classic Evo track, Evo discusses the highs and lows of being drunk until you blackout. Of all the tracks, I’d say this track has my favorite raps in terms of flow. A sneak peek at some lyrics:“My brain is spinning because I’m drunk so I observe everything deeply.”(뇌는 회전해 취기 때문에 더 깊게 관찰해 everything) “Sometimes my mood is up, sometimes my mood is down and shabby(가끔 기분이 업 가끔 기분 다운 떨어 궁상) Of course, you can’t leave out the catchy hook “Let’s go on a trip x3 I’m saying” that are normally characteristic to Evo’s songs. Lastly, this track has an interesting MV to add onto it, see how you interpret it along with the lyrics. ((Translations up soon, no spoilers here!))
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[accordion_item title=”2.Sound Track”]
‘Sound Track’ is straight up raw track from Evo, that you rarely will hear from him, a gem in my personal opinion. Without much melodical lines, no hook, straight up rap, and no “title” or “subject”, this track is a sharp rap track with Evo’s straightforward thoughts and feelings poured into it. [/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”3.완전히 뻔해”]
Produced by B.A.D. ((Evo & Soulfish)), you’ll find yourself bobbing your head to the beat before you realize it. As far as lyricism goes, I’d personally say this track is my favorite. Throughout the song Evo lists out people and situations he finds shameless/obvious ((as a lover of alcohol)) but ultimately points out how changing your perspective can change a lot of things. You can check out the lyrics ((translations will be up soon)) I’d say this is my favorite track along with 밤하늘과 위스키. [/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”4.밤하늘과 위스키”]
Another track I’d say is classic Evo, with a somewhat R&B feel to it. Although the title suggests ‘Night sky and Whisky’, the lyrics aren’t about an alcoholic life, but more so reminiscing about the memories of everything Evo has been through to get to where he is now in his career (with said girl).[/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”5.I am Happy Because I’m Happy”]
Pre-released in September, ‘I Am Happy Because I’m Happy’ is a track with a groovy beat that you just want to jam to with of a course a positive message also. Evo discusses how some good and bad things happen but he’s still going to be happy and look at things positively and encourages the listener to do so also. :) So this is like an Evo version of Pharrell’s ‘Happy’? [/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”6.Green Bottle”]
Green Bottle is the “party” song of the album, an overall fun song with a catchy beat and fun lyrics about drinking till you’re wasted.”Another round, till I fucking drown”,“Sky is the limit, and I know I’m going to drink this till I’m gone”. Basically, this track shows that drinking is just part of who Evo is. [/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”7.건배PYDU”]
“건배” meaning cheers, PYDU meaning ‘put your drinks up’. This track is also about drinking and cheers! However instead of a focus on getting drunk, this song reflects on what Evo has accomplished through those around him and is a song that is to celebrate everything. Example from the lyrics, “I’m wasted and I still made it and that’s amazing”. [/accordion_item]
[accordion_item title=”8.Today & Tomorrow”]
This track was released several months before the full album, as some people may have heard and Lena has already translated the lyrics but how can I not talk about this track? With a soft piano melody, Evo talks about the people who have made an impact his life ((mostly Hi-Lite members ^^)) and some negative things that have happened but he has a positive outlook on his life and will hold his head up high tomorrow and continue on his life journey. [/accordion_item]
[x_custom_headline type=”left” level=”h1″ looks_like=”h2″]Overall Review[/x_custom_headline]
Overall, Green Life is a solid album from Evo that went beyond my expectations. I’ll admit I was pretty worried with the recent label switch((from Hi-Lite Records to 2lson Company)) & album title, but Evo did not disappoint. Definitely an album worth listening to, and I’m sure you will find yourself bobbing your head along soon enough. Oh, and don’t forget to purchase the album if you can!
Related links:
Evo’s Instagram
2LSON Company’s Website